The Stafford London appoints new culinary director as James Durrant steps down

The Stafford London has appointed a new culinary director, as executive chef James Durrant announces his departure from the hotel’s The Game Bird restaurant.

The luxury London boutique, headed up by general manager Stuart Procter, has welcomed Ben Tish to oversee the hotel’s complete food offering, including the American Bar, Wine Cellars, private dining and The Game Bird, which has proven to be hugely successful following its launch last year.

Tish joins from his previous role as chef director of Salt Yard Group, where he was responsible for launching the Soho sites of Dehesa, Ember Yard and Opera Tavern.

Story continues below

Advertisement

As part of his new role at The Stafford Tish will also be part of the launch of new restaurant projects in the ‘near future’ at the hotel, which will focus on his ‘signature style’ and ‘love of European cuisine’.

Speaking of his new position, he commented: “I am delighted to be joining the team at The Stafford. They have had such a great year in 2017 with the launch of The Game Bird, and I am excited to oversee the food offering in the restaurant and throughout the hotel moving forwards, as well as working with the team on new restaurant projects in the future.”

General manager of The Stafford, Stuart Procter, said: “We are thrilled to be welcoming Ben to the hotel. He is an incredible chef, and together we look forward to evolving the offering at The Game Bird and across the hotel, along with launching exciting projects in line with Ben’s fantastic food philosophy.”

James Durrant joined The Stafford London in September 2016 to launch The Game Bird and won wide acclaim for his quality dishes when the restaurant opened in January 2017.

Following his departure, head chef Jozef Rogulski has been promoted as his replacement. Jozef has worked as head chef of The Game Bird restaurant, with previous roles at Cliveden House, The Hand and Flowers and The Waterside Inn.